Exotic Explorations

The other day we went for a Big.Fat.WALK!! We walked all the way way over to the other side of the island. The walk was a very bushy and steep bush walk as the walk goes up a very steep ridge and the path hasn't been cleared for a long time but the walk was definitely worth it. The environment and the wilderness was so beautiful in all it's jungle glory. All the villages around the island have their gardens up there and have to do that walk more than THREE TIMES A WEEK!! In their gardens we saw lots of things growing: pineapple, pawpaw, taro, cassava, eggplants and LOADS of sweet potatoes. The soil is a rich volcanic reddy brown colour. We had a steep decent down to the lagoon that we were headed to as we climbed down the big ridge. We were slipping and sliding in the mud. We came to the lagoon that was called Mogoto lagoon,the lagoon was so beautiful with its luminous blue water,palm trees and coconuts everywhere. we went for a quick swim in the ocean,ate some coconut then made our way further down the beach in search for a fresh water river.

We found the river then went for a swim in it, went to the top and rode down the rapids that led into the ocean. The ocean was so beautiful with huge surf crashing onto the rocks, as this side of the island is the weather coast. After our swim we left the river and went up a different track to get home. We had to climb up a HUGE,steep hill to get to the top of the ridge then go down it to get to the other side of the island. I was steadily falling behind and when I couldn't see my family anymore I lay down and told myself this was a great way to die, on the side of a rockface covered in dirt. Dad peered down and told me I'd better hurry up otherwise the big monster (also known as a huge crab) was going to get me. There were massive hermit crabs everywhere, even up the side of the mountain poking out of the limestone! Well, that made me speed up!

On the way down we got a little lost but Paecey our friend got us back on track quickly. I thought it was very interesting seeing the really big tanks and natural springs with pipes coming out leading all over the island for water in different villages. It is a lot different back home as we just turn on a tap but they have only a few public taps in the village. When we got back to the house I thought my feet would never feel the same as we were walking for five hours and I got lots of blisters but I thought the walk was awesome and fun.

Yesterday we were going to go for a snorkel but there had been a thunderstorm and it was not a very nice day but that didn't stop Dad from going spearfishing (again!). Mum, Darc and I had a lazy day (Mum and I went to the tree and swam and snorkelled with Jenny one of the village kids)but then Dad came back and had lunch and Tokepae came during lunch saying that there was a dead whale on the point in the distance. He asked if we would like to go see. We all got in the boat and took off. The sea was quite rough and after a terrifying and wet ride we came to the whale (a Humpback) and had a good look. It was very interesting seeing a whale upside down and out of the water and washed up on the rocks, the whale had a huge tummy and was REALLY big in size, going up to it made me feel puny. We took some photos then left as there had been some tiger sharks around hoping to get some food. Kotse who Dad goes spear fishing with had tried to get a tooth out of the whale before it washed up on the rocks (they like to carve them). However he said there were too many tiger sharks around it and he had to spear two of them! We ended the day with that last very interesting activity.

Today was a really nice day so we took off in the boat to go snorkeling and fishing and as we were shooting through the Huge waves( Dad says there not THAT big but I object, Mum and I were at the back of the boat and got absolutely drowned with salt water from waves hitting us coming in over the side of the boat!. Dad decided he wanted to put a line out for Tuna. Unfortunately he didn't get a tuna so we continued to the coral gardens and we all put a line out. The water was so nice and blue and the sun was really hot that after some unsuccessful fishing we went snorkeling around the point. The snorkeling was gorgeous, we saw lots of coral and sharks and sea horses, I think the reef is so beautiful as it descends down into the really deep blue water. Dad went spearfishing and did get a fish but he grabbed the tail where a barb is and he got cut so we all got in the boat. D'Arcy and I had another go at fishing and guess what I caught!! A nice big long stick, YUM!

We came back and now we are all relaxing, going for paddleboards and playing with kids as it is our last day here. Tomorrow we go in the dingy to a port not far off (30 mins by dinghy) and ride on a ferry called the Fair Glory for 12 hours all the way to Honiara. I'm a bit nervous but it will be okay, I hope. We have to find our own space on the deck and bring a mat to lie down and that will be our spot for the rest of the trip. I hope next time I post we will be in Honiara.

Goodbye!

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